To order your FREE Stroke Information Kit, click here.

Don’t Become a Statistic
Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious disability. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.

What causes a stroke?
The blockage of an artery in the brain by a clot is the most common cause of a stroke. Typically, a clot forms in a small blood vessel within the brain that has been previously narrowed due to a variety of risk factors including: high blood pressure (hypertension),high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.

 

Remember to think FAST when you see signs of a stroke
F – FACE. Ask the person to smile.
Does one side of the face droop?
A – ARMS. Ask the person to raise both arms.
Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence
Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T – Time. If you observe any of these signs, then it’s time to call 911.

 

If at any time you notice a loss of function, call 911 immediately and request to be transported to a hospital with a Primary Stroke Center, such as Lakewood Hospital.

 

Preventing a Stroke
According to Arthur Dick, M.D., a neurologist at Lakewood Hospital, there are ways to prevent a stroke by managing the risk factors. “The four biggest risk factors include: high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol and high blood sugar”, says Dr. Dick. “Smoking triples the risk for stroke and heart attack, while high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels actually accelerate artery blockage and heart disease.” Dr. Dick suggests maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes smoking cessation, exercise and a healthy diet in order to reduce long-term risks for stroke. Talk to your primary care physician about ways to lessen your risk for a stroke. 

 

To order your FREE Stroke Information Kit, click here.